Donnelly feeling optimistic ahead of Louth’s visit

By Niall Gartland

TYRONE camogs have nothing to show for their efforts after three rounds of fixtures in Division 3A, but joint-captain Siobhan Donnelly hopes they can at least end their campaign on a high note before turning their attentions to the championship.

The Red Hands had a memorable 2024 season, winning both the Division Four and Ulster Junior titles, but they’ve been pitted against a higher level of opposition now they’re playing in Division 3A and have lost all their outings to date.

They’ve been unlucky though in all three instances, never losing by more than a handful of points, so Brocagh native Siobhan Donnelly is looking on the bright side ahead of Saturday’s home tie against Louth, what looks like a very winnable contest.

“The feeling is that we’ve got off to a slow start for a couple of different reasons, but I wouldn’t say that we’re feeling down and out. We’ve had a few close games and in our most recent match against Laois I thought we put in a really strong performance – it was a draw at half-time and we ended up losing by a goal and a point.

“I think our performances show that we’re up to the standard of the Division Three teams, and I think this has been a natural next step for us.

“Hopefully with the training and experience that we’re gaining, we’ll end the league on a high note going into the championship, and I think we’d be confident that we’d come out on the right side of the result if we meet the same teams later in the year.”

One player who is conspicuous by her absence is the brilliant forward Lara Devlin, who has been sidelined with a long-term injury. She was one of the stars of their 2024 season so she’s a big miss, but Donnelly is confident that she’ll make a full recovery.

“It’s so unfortunate and my heart goes out to her. It’s difficult as she’s been such a prominent player for us over those last few years.

“We’re obviously missing her but she’s come back from bad injuries in the past and has been stronger than ever. All we can do is wish her a speedy recovery, she’s still a big part of our set-up. I’m sure she’ll be back out on the field soon enough but she’s certainly a big loss for Tyrone camogie.”

Louth have suffered three heavy defeats so it’s hard to see anything other than a Tyrone victory this weekend.

“In the last few years we’ve always put in a strong performance against Louth so we’re hopeful we’ll get some points on the board this weekend. Our team’s different to last year with a few girls injured and some new girls coming into the team.

“It’s taken a bit of time to settle in but I’m confident that we’re on the right track.”